A recent investigation by MegaLag has raised concerns about the Honey web browser extension, a tool initially founded in 2012 and acquired by PayPal for $4 billion in 2020, which promises to automatically apply discount codes during online shopping. Despite its initial appeal, the investigation reveals practices potentially misleading to consumers and influencers alike.
Honey gained traction by helping consumers find the best deals, yet critics argue it no longer serves its original purpose. MegaLag's findings highlight Honey's tendency to promote specific discount codes, often exclusive to its business partners, which leads to suboptimal savings for users. For example, instead of showing the best available discount, such as 30%, the extension may prioritize codes like "HONEY10," which offers only 10% off.
This prioritization has sparked significant debate, particularly within the affiliate marketing community, as Honey’s actions reportedly cut out influencers from receiving commissions on sales they helped generate. Noteworthy figures like YouTubers MrBeast and Marques Brownlee, who once endorsed Honey, have expressed concern over these developments.
Deepak Tailor, the founder of LatestFreeStuff.co.uk, previously praised browser extensions like Honey as invaluable tools, likening them to free money. “Free discount code browser extensions should be on everyone’s browser. After ad blockers, I think it’s the most important thing you could have. It’s like free money,” he noted. Yet, as the service evolves, many users are beginning to question this once-unstoppable tool.
Accusations against Honey extend beyond mere selective discount presentation. It has been claimed the extension reattributes sales made through affiliate links, ensuring Honey, and not the original promoter, benefits from these transactions, which critics describe as predatory. Users on social media have warned against using Honey, citing its practices as harmful to customers, brands, and content creators. One user stated, “If you’re using the Honey browser extension, remove it. This is predatory and bad for customers, brands, and content creators.”
Another user added, “Now this video from MegaLag shows in detail how Honey is outright stealing commissions from YouTubers,” highlighting the distrust forming around Honey as its role and ethics come under scrutiny.
The fallout from MegaLag’s video raises questions about consumer trust and whether the Honey extension remains the best solution for finding online discounts. While originally intended to alleviate the hassle of searching for coupon codes, Honey's recent business practices have pivoted its focus toward benefiting its affiliate partners rather than end-users.
Experts suggest users conduct their research rather than rely solely on tools like Honey for discounts, which may not yield the expected results. This approach could involve checking multiple sites for the best codes or simply shopping around before committing to purchases. The notion of Honey as indispensable for bargain hunters is fading, with consumers being urged to evaluate their options diligently.
Given the lack of official commentary from Honey or PayPal on these allegations, and these claims have cast shadows on Honey’s reputation, users are encouraged to reconsider their loyalty to this once-beloved browser extension. The controversy surrounding Honey has ignited discussions about marketing ethics and consumer advocacy, pushing users to reflect on what they truly stand to gain from such tools.
While Honey’s original mission was to simplify how people access savings online, its current practices appear misaligned with this goal. With influencers and consumers raising alarms over its operations, Honey must address these issues transparently if it hopes to regain consumer confidence. For now, many users may find more reliable deals outside the scope of this browser extension, marking a significant turning point for one of the internet’s most popular shopping aids.
